BJP

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp critique of the Congress party, questioning its historical handling of national security issues. Speaking on the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Shinde highlighted the perceived failure of previous governments to take decisive action against Pakistan following the attacks. He framed the episode as a lapse in strategic response that compromised India’s security and national dignity.

During his recent visit to Colombia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharpened his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, portraying it as a threat to India’s democratic fabric. Addressing a gathering, Gandhi alleged that the ruling dispensation has weakened core institutions, curtailed press freedom, and fostered a climate of intolerance. His remarks, delivered on foreign soil, carry significant political weight as they align with his longstanding campaign narrative that democracy in India is under siege.

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Targeting the Government’s Record

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Manipur has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that his presence in the strife-torn state was more symbolic than substantive. Senior Congress figures, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge, accused the prime minister of failing to uphold the tradition of empathetic leadership displayed by previous Indian heads of government during times of crisis.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called on businesses across India to ensure that the benefits of the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reduction are passed on to consumers. Party leaders emphasized that the tax cut, aimed at stimulating demand and boosting consumption, should translate into lower retail prices rather than being absorbed as additional profit margins. The appeal highlights growing political and public attention on corporate pricing practices amid economic recovery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a financial relief package of Rs. 1,600 crore for Punjab, following devastating floods that have left widespread damage across the state. While the central government has presented the package as a step toward rehabilitation and reconstruction, the response from the Opposition and farmers’ groups has been sharply critical. They argue that the amount is inadequate given the scale of destruction, calling it a “cruel joke” on affected families.

Severe floods have wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and inflicting heavy losses on agriculture and livelihoods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his official visit to the affected regions, pledging unwavering support from the Centre to aid recovery and rehabilitation. His assurance reflects the government’s intention to mobilize financial, logistical, and institutional resources to restore normalcy while prioritizing immediate relief for the affected population.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration has formally requested the Union government for Rs 60,000 crore to address the state’s financial and developmental challenges, including public welfare schemes, debt management, and infrastructure projects. Despite repeated communications, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not responded to the appeal, raising concerns among Punjab policymakers about timely fund allocation. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the urgency of central assistance to sustain key social programs and economic stability.

The state of Punjab has renewed its call for financial compensation from the Centre to offset revenue shortfalls arising from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Officials argue that the transition to GST has significantly eroded the state’s fiscal autonomy, particularly given its heavy reliance on revenue streams such as value-added tax (VAT) on alcohol and petroleum products, which remain outside the GST framework.

Punjab ministers have come under intense political scrutiny after videos emerged showing them discussing overseas and domestic leisure trips while conducting flood inspections. The incident, occurring during ongoing relief operations in flood-affected regions, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, with both BJP and Congress accusing the government of insensitivity toward disaster-hit citizens. Analysts argue that such missteps can undermine public trust and distract from urgent crisis management.

In a decisive move aimed at stabilizing domestic wheat supplies and curbing potential hoarding, the Centre has revised the stockholding limits for wheat across the country. The new regulations specify strict ceilings on how much wheat commercial entities, wholesalers, and millers can retain at any given time. This step is expected to enhance market transparency, ensure equitable distribution, and mitigate the risk of price volatility in the run-up to the upcoming procurement and consumption cycles.